David Frederick Felten

David was born to Victor Carl and Rena Schoenbohm Felten. He was the youngest child and brother to Mary Duitsman (Jack), Catherine Startt (James), and Victoria Scharen (Albert).

 As the son of a Lutheran pastor, Dave and his family lived in many parsonages throughout his childhood, as their parents were sent by the synod to minister to the local congregations. He made friends instantly and was immediately industrious in every new city. His spit shoeshine at the barber shop in Pueblo, Colorado, was famous, and he sold boats in Baltimore, opening his own business meticulously detailing and gassing the boats in the harbor, recording his efforts in his spiral pocket notebook. He had great memories of Grand Haven, Michigan, selling sweet corn to the neighbors, and of his best friends, Jack and Bill, whose family owned the Ford Dealership. David had a sharp mind and a quick wit that never waned.

 After he got married, with his first child on the way, Dave worked at a funeral home, wrapped gifts at Sears, and taught math in night school to earn his master’s degree. He spent his early corporate years at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, PA, and Pensacola, FL, and then moved to Clark Equipment in Buchanan, MI.

 In 1977, David became the founder and CEO of STS International, headquartered in South Bend, IN, providing upper-level management consulting to global companies in the United States and around the world, guiding their long-term transitions to more efficient and human processes. Dave was ahead of his time and brought tremendous innovation to the fields of human resources and business operations and management. Dave pioneered organic systems and procedures 50 years ago, whose principles, strategies, and operations are still being actively implemented today.

 David’s signature trait was his generosity. He was quick to step in and stand in the gap for family, friends, his church community, and even strangers. He was so loving and, like his mother Rena, loved to give ‘smooches.’

 David was a prolific teacher in life, always interested in bringing everyone to the table. He was thoughtful. He was a terrific gift-giver. And he was singular in making everyone feel included and welcome.

 After working so hard for so many decades, a perfect day for David was to relax on the couch with a small slice of a local apple fritter, his honey Vickie to his right, iPad in hand, emailing back and forth with his son and firstborn, Erik David Felten, as they analyzed the daily activity of the markets – or he would catch a Notre Dame football game and a nap!

 David was married for 35 years to the love of his life Vickie (Crawford) Felten. He shared three children from a previous union, Erik Felten (Hayley), Ingrid Felten, and Gretchen Ray (Guy). David is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Rena, and his daughter, Gretchen. David was Papaw to his grandchildren Sullivan, Memphis, Jasper, Gretchen, and Katie, as well as great-grandchild Harper. David’s sisters-in-law Glenda and Kimberly were dear family, Kimberly a very near and sweet presence.

 David had scores of family, friends, and business associates who loved him dearly over the years. The family would like to especially recognize the companionship of his best friend, Jay Romans, and the kind care of his lifelong family friend, Todd Pruitt, for their help and daily support during the end of his life. The family thanks Pastor Brian Biggers for the constant check-ins and visits during Dave’s treatment and for bringing such beauty to Dave’s homegoing celebration.

 A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2:00PM at the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park by Rev. Brian Biggers. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45PM prior to the service at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory. And other time at the home.

 Our thanks to Lowe Funeral Home for their gracious final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Grace Chapel P.O. Box 926 Graham, NC 27253.

 You may sign the online register book and watch the services livestream at www.lowefuneralhome.com.